"It's hard to understand just from the explanation, so let's have a Gift Game, everyone!" Kuro Usagi said, snapping her fingers. A long table materialized from the sky.
"Oh, a very interesting ability!" Sakamaki Izayoi said, the three problem children curiously eyeing the suddenly appearing table.
"Everyone, the rules are simple. Think of it as a trial for joining my commonality," Kuro Usagi said confidently, toying with a deck of cards.
"Hey! Hey! When did we agree to join?" Sakamaki Izayoi grumbled.
"Oh hohoho, are you lacking confidence in yourselves? That's unfortunate. But then again, compared to Mr. Arthas, it's not surprising you'd be a little timid." Kuro Usagi let out a queenly laugh, slapping the deck of cards onto the table.
With Arthas's addition, Kuro Usagi seemed much more confident, almost indifferent to whether Sakamaki Izayoi and the others joined.
Aaaaaah! Stupid Kuro Usagi! What are you doing?! Mr. Arthas just joined, and you're already using him to intimidate them! If he gets angry and leaves, everything is over!!! Kuro Usagi lamented internally, but outwardly remained nonchalant.
Please… don't be angry with Kuro Usagi! And please, please accept my challenge!
Arthas wasn't paying attention; he was still thinking about how to obtain a world-traveling Gift.
"Tch, such a cliché challenge, but it really pisses me off. Fine, I'll play along."
Sakamaki Izayoi said, arms crossed.
"Please explain the rules."
Kuyo Hibari and Kasukabe Yō, curious, also gathered around the table.
"The rules are simple. Draw a card from this deck. If it's a picture card, you win!" Kuro Usagi said happily. "Shall we begin?"
"No problem." Sakamaki Izayoi.
"Let's begin." The elegant young lady.
"Let's play." Kasukabe Yō said to her calico cat.
"Then, the contract is established!" Kuro Usagi said, as a glowing piece of paper floated down from the sky.
"What's this?" Sakamaki Izayoi asked, holding the paper.
"The contract! It outlines the rules, conditions of victory, and important details of the 'Gift Game'!" Kuro Usagi explained. "And as a divine familiar, Kuro Usagi has the authority to judge! A rabbit's ears are directly connected to the Little Garden's central hub, so cheating is impossible."
"Alright, alright, let's begin. The winner gets one wish, whatever they want. I'm really looking forward to this!" Sakamaki Izayoi said, looking at Kuro Usagi with mischief in his eyes.
"H-things are not allowed!" Kuro Usagi shrank back at Sakamaki Izayoi's gaze.
"Relax, relax, who would do that?" Sakamaki Izayoi waved his hand, under the skeptical gazes of the women present.
"Then, let the game begin. Please, everyone." Kuro Usagi said, spreading the cards face down.
"Hahaha, this is ridiculously easy!" Sakamaki Izayoi laughed, then, to Kuro Usagi's surprise, slapped the table.
"Eh? Eh?" Kuro Usagi stared as the cards flew into the air.
"I'll take this one."
"I'll take this one."
Kuyo Hibari and Kasukabe Yō quickly picked up two face-down 'Q' cards.
"Eh? Eh?"
"Looks like we win." Sakamaki Izayoi said, revealing the card in his hand.
The King of Clubs.
"N-no! That's cheating! You're cheating!"
"Cheating? Didn't you just say cheating is impossible in front of you?"
"Eh?!"
Kuro Usagi paused; a declaration of a valid game came from the Little Garden's central hub. Kuro Usagi looked dejected, her ears drooping.
"H-how could this be…"
"Hey, you rabbit over there." Sakamaki Izayoi called to Kuro Usagi.
"I'm not a rabbit! I have a name, I'm Kuro Usagi!" Kuro Usagi retorted.
"We've decided to join your commonality." Sakamaki Izayoi said, smiling. Kuro Usagi excitedly perked her ears.
"Oh, really? YES! Thank you so much, everyone!" Kuro Usagi jumped excitedly, her blue hair turning pink.
"But I have one last question. If the answer isn't satisfactory, then it's a no-go."
"Eh, Sakamaki Izayoi-kun, what else do you want to ask?" Kuro Usagi asked curiously, her pink hair returning to blue.
"Is this world interesting?"
Sakamaki Izayoi looked towards the magnificent city in the distance, asking with a world-conquering gaze.
"…"
The other two waited silently for Kuro Usagi's answer.
The letter that summoned them stated, "Abandon your family, friends, possessions, everything in this world, and come to our 'Little Garden'."
Therefore, whether this place was worth the cost was paramount to the three.
"YES! The 'Gift Game' is a divine game only superhumans can play. I, Kuro Usagi, can guarantee that the Little Garden is far more interesting than the outside world!"
"That's good. Little Garden, prepare for this King!" Sakamaki Izayoi declared confidently.
Watching the three enthusiastic teenagers and the delighted Kuro Usagi, Arthas, seeming out of place, shook his head wryly and walked off alone.
That passionate energy… it feels pretty good, doesn't it? Unfortunately, I've lost that.
"Mr. Arthas, don't go yet! Let me guide you!"
Seeing Arthas turn to leave, Kuro Usagi hurried after him, eagerly leading the way.
"What a difference in treatment…"
Hibari shrugged, a hint of displeasure in her voice, and tossed her hair.
"Well… no way around it. He's a strong guy. He's completely worth three of us, right?"
"Even if you're right, it still feels annoying."
Hibari muttered, then stared curiously and somewhat surprisedly at Arthas's back.
"But… if he's that strong, why does he say he's not strong?"
"Well… who knows? But this guy definitely has a story to tell."
Sakamaki Izayoi said meaningfully, a deeper smile in his eyes.
"But that makes me even more eager to fight him."
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